CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Seven Fire Strike Teams Deployed to Assist with Collier County Wildfires

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced joint efforts by the Florida fire service community to combat an approximately 8,500-acre wildfire in Collier County. Seven fire strike teams from across the state have been deployed to assist the Florida Forestry Service and local fire departments in battling the blaze that started earlier this week.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “A large-scale wildfire has engulfed parts of Collier County in Southwest Florida causing untold damage and forcing the evacuation of many residents in the area. My office has worked with state and local fire officials to deploy seven Fire Strike Teams made up of 33 departments with 54 fire engines and support units to the area to aid in combating this blaze. I’ve also been in contact with North Collier Fire Chief Eloy Ricardo and Greater Naples Fire Rescue Chief Kingman Schuldt to offer our continued support. Thank you to the Florida Forestry Service and the Division of Emergency Management for their hard work and support of our brave firefighters. I ask that all residents please heed all evacuation orders and warnings from local officials and pray for our heroes as they battle this wildfire.”